Method and apparatus for exercising abdominal muscles

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a device for improving posture, including a housing, a power supply disposed within the housing; a first communication element coupled to the housing, an actuation mechanism coupled to the housing, where the actuation mechanism selectively electrically couples the first communication element to the power supply, and a clip coupled to the housing and engageable with a belt. The clip may include a substantially thin wire and the housing may be sized such that engagement of the clip with the belt positions a substantial portion of the housing behind the belt and out of view.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to health and fitness devices, and in particular to a device for improving posture and conditioning abdominal and associated torso muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Persistent problems in maintaining health and fitness have become an increasingly prevalent problem in today's society. A significant contributing factor has been the general trend for increased numbers of people to pursue urban and suburban environments largely consisting of non-physical types of skilled labor, i.e., office careers, which substantially reduce the amount of physical manual labor or activity experienced during a typical day. An additional contributing factor includes the steady decline in diet quality as less healthy, processed food products are more readily available and convenient for a busy schedule. As a result, the overall body condition and fitness of people has, for the most part, declined.

Poor body condition exhibited as excess weight and a resulting reduction of muscle conditioning and strength is a substantial health concern. Moreover, such poor muscle condition and excess weight may further lead to general posture problems. It has long been known that persons with exceedingly poor posture may be unduly subjecting their internal organs to potentially harmful stress which may foster other maladies or conditions that could otherwise have been avoided had proper posture been maintained.

Despite the extremely undesirable and wide-ranging effects of poor abdominal/torso muscle conditioning and excess weight carried in the abdominal area, many people simply avoid moderate exercise, healthy diet and a conscious focus upon maintaining good posture as they go about their day. However, a substantial benefit in posture, weight control and abdominal and torso muscle conditioning may be accomplished by exercising or maintaining good posture, i.e., regularly making an effort to maintain a tightened muscle condition of the abdominal muscles. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for people to remember to exercise good posture and to maintain tightened abdominal muscles as they go about a busy day. Accordingly, the need arises to provide a reminder to exercise good posture and maintain tightened abdominal muscles for extended periods of time.

Although devices have been proposed to meet the need for such a reminder or mechanism, thus far such prior art devices have been subject to practical limitations such as the undesirability and impracticality with users reluctant or refusing to use them. In addition, such devices are typically unduly complex and burdensome for the user, or are unable to provide a simple and effective mechanism which will allow the user to be comfortable wearing the device.

In view of the above limitations, it would be desirable to provide a device that is simple to operate, and is further easily and comfortably worn to provide improved posture and muscle training.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously provides an improved posture and muscle training device that is simple to operate, and is further easily and comfortably worn. In particular, the present invention provides a device for improving posture having a housing, a power supply disposed within the housing, a first communication element coupled to the housing, an actuation mechanism coupled to the housing, where the actuation mechanism selectively electrically couples the first communication element to the power supply, and a clip coupled to the housing and engageable with a belt, where the clip includes a substantially thin wire, and where engagement of the clip with the belt positions a substantial portion of the housing behind the belt and out of view. The actuation mechanism may include a switch positioned on the housing facing the clip. The clip may extend from a top surface of the housing, have a length larger than a length of the housing. In addition, the housing may have a length less than approximately one and a half inches.

The device may also include a second communication element coupled to the housing such that the actuation mechanism is able to selectively electrically couple the first communication element to the power supply. The first and second communication elements may include a light source and/or an audio source. A mode selection element may also be included on the device, where the mode selection element is able to selectively electrically couple at least one of the first and second communication elements with the actuation mechanism. The device may also include a depressible element coupled to the housing, where the depressible element is able to trigger the actuation mechanism.

The present invention also provides a device for improving posture, comprising a housing, a power supply disposed within the housing, a first communication element coupled to the housing, a second communication element coupled to the housing, a switch coupled to the housing, wherein the switch selectively electrically couples at least one of the first and second communication elements to the power supply, and a clip coupled to the housing and engageable with a belt, where the clip includes a substantially thin wire, and where engagement of the clip with the belt positions a substantial portion of the housing behind the belt and out of view. The switch may be positioned on the housing facing the clip, the first communication element may be a light source, and the second communication element may include an audio source.

A device of the present invention may also include a housing having a length less than approximately one and a half inches, a power supply disposed within the housing, a light source coupled to the housing, an audio source coupled to the housing, a switch coupled to the housing, wherein the switch selectively electrically couples at least one of the light source and audio source to the power supply, a depressible element coupled to the housing adjacent to the switch, wherein the depressible element is able to trigger the switch, and a clip coupled to the housing and engageable with a belt, where the clip includes a substantially thin wire, and where engagement of the clip with the belt positions a substantial portion of the housing behind the belt and out of view. A mode selection element may also be coupled to the housing, where the mode selection element is able to selectively electrically couple at least one of the light source and audio source to the actuation mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a posture and muscle training device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a posture and muscle training device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of a posture and muscle training device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a posture and muscle training device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of a circuit for a posture and muscle training device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of a posture and muscle training device attached to an article of clothing in accordance with the principles of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is an additional illustration of an embodiment of a posture and muscle training device attached to an article of clothing in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously provides an improved posture and muscle training device that is simple to operate, and is further easily and comfortably worn. In particular the device of the present invention provides an indication or reminder to maintain appropriate posture to condition muscle and to improve overall health and fitness.

Now referring to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention provides a posture and muscle training device, generally designated as “10.” The device 10 generally includes a housing 12 containing various components for operation of the device 10, where the housing 12 may be sized and shaped to be positioned discretely and substantially out of view behind a belt or similar article of clothing of a user. For example, the housing 12 may have a length of less than approximately one and a half inches, and may further include a width and/or thickness of less than approximately one-half of an inch. The small dimensions allow the housing to be easily obscured or hidden from view when in use, as discussed in more detail below. The housing 12 may have a generally rectangular shape, although the housing 12 may also be curved or contoured to provide an enhanced ergonomic and comfortable fit when worn. The housing 12 may define two parts that are engageable with one another to form a cavity or space therein. For instance, the housing 12 may be formed through injection molding or other manufacturing methodologies in the form of complementary shell parts that can be assembled together to house other parts of the device 10. The housing 12 may be constructed of plastics, polymers, and/or a combination thereof.

The posture and muscle training device 10 of the present invention may further include a power supply 14 disposed within the housing 12. As the housing 12 is preferably sized small enough to be hidden from view when in use, the power supply 14 may include a battery having a reduced profile, such as the small, round, disc-like batteries commonly employed in watches or miniature electronic devices. In particular, the power supply 14 may include a substantially disc-shaped element or battery oriented along the length of the housing resulting in a reduced thickness needed for the housing 12 in order to accommodate the power supply 14. In other words, when the housing 12 is placed or affixed onto an article of clothing, such as a belt, the power supply 14 may be oriented lengthwise such that a flat surface of the power supply faces or is adjacent to the article of clothing.

One or more communication elements may be at least partially disposed in or otherwise coupled to the housing 12 of the posture and muscle training device 10. The communication elements may convey or otherwise signal a user as a reminder to maintain proper posture when slouching or an improperly relaxed torso are detected by the device 10. The communication element may include any element or mechanism able to convey or communicate a recognizable signal, and may include a visual, auditory, and/or tactile mechanism. In particular, the posture and muscle training device 10 may include a first communication element 16, such as light source (i.e., a light bulb, LED, etc.) coupled to one end of the housing 12. The first communication element 16 may be selectively electrically coupled to the power source during use. In addition, the device 10 may also include a second communication element 18, such as an audio source (i.e., a speaker, buzzer, etc.) coupled to another end or portion of the housing 12. The second communication element 18 may similarly be selectively electrically coupled to the power source during use.

The posture and muscle training device 10 of the present invention may further include an actuation mechanism 20 coupled to or otherwise disposed in the housing 12, where the actuation mechanism 20 is able to selectively electrically couple the one or more communication elements of the device 10 to the power supply 14 for operation thereof. For example, the actuation mechanism 20 may include a contact switch movable from a first position, where a communication element is in an open circuit (i.e., not in electrical communication) with the power supply 14, to a second position, where the communication element is in a closed circuit (i.e., in electrical communication) with the power supply 14. Further, the actuation mechanism may include a pressure sensor or switch that triggers activation of the device once a predetermined threshold has been reached.

The posture and muscle training device 10 may further include a depressible or deformable element 22 or surface disposed on or otherwise coupled to a portion of the housing 12. The deformable element may be coupled to the housing 12 adjacent to or in proximity of the actuation mechanism 20. The deformable element may be positioned such that a force imparted onto the depressible element 22 triggers the actuation mechanism 20, which thereby couples one or more of the communication elements to the power supply 14. In particular, the depressible element 22 may include a plastic or rubber component able to deform upon experiencing a moderate pressure, such as that produced between a waistline and a belt or article of clothing when slouching. The depressible element 22 may be securely affixed to the housing 12 while allowing for some movement or deformation in response to the experienced pressure, to thereby trigger the actuation mechanism 20.

One or more controls may also be disposed on or in a portion of the housing 12 of the posture and muscle training device 10. For example, the device 10 may include an on/off switch or button 24 for powering or generally operating the device 10. In addition, the posture and muscle training device 10 may be selectively operable to only use or otherwise actuate a single communication element when so desired, even though multiple communication elements may be present on the device 10. In particular, a mode selection element 26 may be disposed on the housing 12 that allows a user to select either the exclusive use of the first communication element 16, the exclusive use of the second communication, and/or the combined use of the first and second communication element 18s during a particular time interval of use. The mode selection element 26 may include a multi-pole switch that selectively electrically couples either and/or both of the first and second communication elements with the actuation mechanism 20, which in turn, electrically couples the selected communication elements with the power supply 14 during operation.

The posture and muscle training device 10 of the present invention may further include an affixation element 28 for anchoring or engaging the device 10 to an article of clothing, such as a belt. The affixation element 28 may provide for the secure anchoring of the device 10 while maintaining or presenting a minimal profile or discrete appearance when worn. For example, the affixation element 28 may include a clip coupled to and/or extending from the housing 12. The clip may comprise a thin wire that extends from a top surface of the housing 12 and further descends downward and loops back around towards the top of the housing 12 to define a “U” shape if viewed from the front. The wire clip may be sufficiently thin as to conceal or otherwise dissuade the appearance that the device 10 is even present on a belt or the like. The length of the clip may exceed the length of the housing 12 to ensure that the housing 12 remains hidden from view while the clip is able to maximize or otherwise expand its contact area to provide a secure engagement of the device 10 to the clothing article. Moreover, the affixation element 28 may include a substantially solid clip or anchor, an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic components, etc. The affixation element 28 may extend from the housing 12 opposite from/facing the depressible element 22 such that the affixation element 28 acts as a guard or obstacle to the inadvertent actuation or triggering of the device 10 when not in use, i.e., when placed on a table, etc.

In an exemplary method of use, the posture and muscle training device 10 of the present invention may be attached to an article of clothing to facilitate improved posture and torso muscle training. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the training device 10 of the present invention may be positioned on a belt 30 and held in place by the affixation element 28. The device 10 may be positioned on the backside of the belt 30, such that the device 10 is positioned between the belt 30 or article of clothing and the body of the user. The affixation element 28 may be positioned or otherwise extend across a front side of the belt, such that the actuation mechanism 20 and/or depressible element 22 of the device 10 are adjacent to the backside of the belt. As a result of the positioning, any pressure exerted on the device 10 by slouching or improper posture will increase the force experienced between the belt 30 and the device 10, thereby triggering the actuation mechanism 20 by the deformation or depressing of the depressible element 22, for example. Once the actuation mechanism 20 has been triggered by the increased pressure of a slouching torso, one or more of the communication elements may be electrically coupled to the power supply 14 and thus begin to operate, i.e., provide a visual signal such as a blinking light; or emit an audible signal. Of course, the particular operating mode of the device 10 may be selected by manipulation of the mode selection element 26 to cause either and/or both of the first and second communication elements to begin operating in response to the poor posture.

Upon receiving the signal from the training device 10, the user may be reminded to regain proper posture and to thereby condition muscle and to improve overall health and fitness. In addition, the device 10 may be worn conformably and inconspicuously behind the belt, substantially out of view except for the discrete, low profile wire affixation element 28.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A device for improving posture, comprising: a housing; a power supply disposed within the housing; a first communication element coupled to the housing; an actuation mechanism coupled to the housing, wherein the actuation mechanism selectively electrically couples the first communication element to the power supply; and an affixation element coupled to the housing and engageable with an article of clothing, wherein engagement of the affixation element with the article of clothing positions a substantial portion of the housing adjacent to the article of clothing and substantially out of view.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication element is a light source.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication element is an audio source.
 4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a second communication element coupled to the housing, and wherein the actuation mechanism is able to selectively electrically couple the first communication element to the power supply.
 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first communication element is a light source and wherein the second communication element is an audio source.
 6. The device according to claim 4, further comprising a mode selection element able to selectively electrically couple at least one of the first and second communication elements with the actuation mechanism.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a contact switch.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the affixation element includes a clip constructed from a substantially thin wire.
 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the clip extends from a top surface of the housing, and wherein the clip has a length larger than a length of the housing.
 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a length less than approximately one and a half inches, and a width of less than approximately one-half of an inch.
 11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a depressible element coupled to the housing, wherein the depressible element is able to trigger the actuation mechanism.
 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a contact switch positioned adjacent to the depressible element.
 13. A device for improving posture, comprising: a housing; a substantially disc-shaped power supply disposed within the housing; a first communication element coupled to the housing; a second communication element coupled to the housing; a switch coupled to the housing, wherein the switch selectively electrically couples at least one of the first and second communication elements to the power supply; and a clip coupled to the housing and engageable with a belt, and wherein engagement of the clip with the belt positions a substantial portion of the housing adjacent to and behind the belt such that the housing is out of view.
 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the switch is positioned on the housing facing the clip.
 15. The device according to claim 13, wherein the first communication element is a light source and wherein the second communication element is an audio source.
 16. The device according to claim 13, wherein the clip includes a substantially thin wire extending from a top surface of the housing, and wherein the clip has a length larger than a length of the housing.
 17. The device according to claim 13, further comprising a mode selection element able to selectively electrically couple at least one of the first and second communication elements with the actuation mechanism.
 18. In combination with a belt, a device for improving posture, comprising: a housing having a length less than approximately one and a half inches and a thickness less than approximately one-half of an inch; a power supply disposed within the housing; a light source coupled to the housing; an audio source coupled to the housing; a switch coupled to the housing, wherein the switch selectively electrically couples at least one of the light source and audio source to the power supply; a depressible element coupled to the housing adjacent to the switch, wherein the depressible element is able to trigger the switch; and a clip coupled to the housing and engageable with the belt.
 19. The device according to claim 18, further comprising a mode selection element coupled to the housing, the mode selection element able to selectively electrically couple at least one of the light source and audio source to the actuation mechanism.
 20. The device according to claim 18, wherein the depressible element is positioned on the housing facing the clip. 